From the birthplace of samba, Salvador da Bahia, we are incredibly excited to welcome to the Australian Samba Retreat line-up, the phenomenal André Souza!

A master percussionist now based in Rio de Janeiro, André has dedicated his career to sharing the richness of Afro-Brazilian music, rhythm and culture with audiences around the world.

For seven years, André toured nationally and internationally with the legendary Balé Folclórico da Bahia, one of Brazil's most celebrated dance companies. From Brazil to Germany, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark and beyond, his performances have brought the power and tradition of Brazilian culture to some of the world's most respected stages.

Alongside his touring career, André has collaborated with an extraordinary list of iconic Brazilian artists and groups, including Olodum, Psirico, Tribahia, Trem de Pouso, Banda Awure and acclaimed singer Mariene de Castro, with whom he has shared the stage since 2006.

Renowned for his musicality, precision and warm energy, André combines technical mastery with an unwavering respect for the traditions that have shaped Brazil's rich rhythmic heritage. Whether playing alongside dancers in class or performing on the world’s biggest stages, his artistry embodies the heartbeat of Afro-Brazilian culture.

This October, you'll have the rare opportunity to experience that heartbeat firsthand.